David wasn’t sure about who coincided with whom, because both songs were recorded in 1981 (the Air Supply track was released mid-1982). But while they were both recorded in 1981, I’m inclined to think that the Air Supply track was recorded very late in 1981 (otherwise why record it early in 1981 when you’re popular and then release it almost a year later when there’s a fair chance you won’t be that popular anymore?). Christopher’s song, on the other hand, was first heard in the film Arthur when that was released on July 17, 1981. As a result, I reckon Air Supply borrowed from coincided with Christopher Cross, not the other way round.

And this isn’t the first time Air Supply has coincided with borrowed from other artists. A previous Musical coincidence had Air Supply apparently delving into the ABBA songbook for some inspiration.

And here’s Air Supply‘s “Just Another Woman”, released just two years later:

Didn’t they think anyone would notice?

Anyway, here are the full versions:

ABBA – “Summer Night City”

Air Supply – “Just Another Woman”

The version of “Summer Night City” above was released as a single. As a bonus, here’s the full-length, completely complete version of “Summer Night City” – it features a moody intro before all that relentless disco-ness starts. (It sat in the ABBA vaults not doing anything until someone decided to put it on the 1994 Thank You For The Music box set.) Anyway, enjoy the moodiness:

ABBA – “Summer Night City” (full-length version)

(*Bjorn has always maintained that the word they’re all singing is “walking,” but nobody – and I mean nobody – believes him.)